Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certification Practice Test

According to the conclusions of the Hawthorne Experiments, what is key to productivity?

1. Individual performance

2. The social atmosphere in the workplace

3. Democratic leadership styles

4. Financial incentives

The correct answer is: The social atmosphere in the workplace

The conclusion drawn from the Hawthorne Experiments emphasizes that the social atmosphere in the workplace plays a crucial role in enhancing employee productivity. The experiments, conducted in the 1920s and 1930s at the Hawthorne Works plant, revealed that factors beyond physical working conditions, such as relationships with coworkers and the level of attention given to employees by management, significantly impacted their performance. Researchers found that when employees felt valued and recognized through social interactions, their productivity increased. This highlighted that the psychological and social aspects of the workplace, including group dynamics and employee morale, are essential elements that drive performance. While other factors like individual performance, leadership styles, and financial incentives can influence productivity, the Hawthorne Experiments specifically underscored the importance of the social atmosphere, indicating that a supportive and engaged environment fosters better outcomes in productivity.